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2012 Progress report on HEU minimization activities in Argentina

Abstract:

An extension of the original CNEA-NNSA DoE contract for the RA-6 reactor core conversion was signed in March 2010 to enhance the final national HEU inventories minimization. Previously, CNEA reserved a small inventory of HEU for further R and D uses in fission chambers, neutronic probes and standards. This minimization comprises all fresh and irradiated HEU remnant inventories coming from fuels and Mo-99 targets fabrication and irradiated HEU-oxides retained in production filters and solutions. Those inventories are being recovered, down-blended into LEU and purified or, in few cases and due to cost benefit considerations, declared wastes. CNEA has a R and D program focused on the development of the fabrication technology of UMo monolithic (Zry-4 cladding) mini-plates to support the qualification activities of the RERTR program. Some monolithic 58% enrichment and LEU 8%Mo and U10%Mo mini-plates and plates were and are being delivered to INL-DoE to be irradiated in the ATR reactor core. Full scale plates will take part of the ALT FUTURE irradiation at the BR II Belgium reactor. CNEA, a worldwide leader on LEU technology for fission radioisotope production is providing Brazil with 1/3 of the national requirements on Mo-99 by weekly deliveries. ANSTO is firmly producing several fission radioisotopes batches by week. During November and December 2011 the production in the new fission Mo-99 facilities of the Atomic Egyptian Agency (AEA) in Inshas Atomic Center, Egypt was demonstrated. To support these activities CNEA is refurbishing in Ezeiza Atomic Center a set of radiochemical cells where the spent LEU based …